I-OCTA Members have Membership in National OCTA. All Dues Paid OCTA, Box 1019, Independence, MO 64051-0519 XX Issue 1 January 2008 James McGill, Editor [email protected] 208 467 4853/ Cell 250 6045 ______Tim Goodale’s Frontier Contributions to were Quite Significant Editor The many contributions that Timothy Goodale made to growth in the West, and to the early supports for human livelihood and provisions were important then and now. When he led his wagon train from an area near Boulder, Colorado, and across Wyoming, Idaho and Eastern , his main intent was just to get certain emigrants to the destinations they had chosen. Published reports of this accomplishment have indicated that he led the train beginning from the area of Fort Hall on the Snake River in Idaho, but that has now been proven as a short- changing of the final big project in his life. He had started with only a few miners’ wagons, increased to a very large train as others joined him, and decreased by half when many chose to go northerly to Montana. Then 14 miles west of Arco, Idaho, before beginning to follow the treacherous volcanic fields along the southern end of the Pioneer Mountains, grew again to the largest train ever to cross Idaho. In the Boise Valley the train then again divided back down to the component trains that had joined him about 200 miles earlier. He finished into Oregon with about 70 wagons. Another development greatly aided his trail contributions.

GOODALES CUTOFF THROUGH ROCKS NEAR MIDVALE HILL, A ROUGH PART THAT WAS LITTLE USED AFTER 1862 The opening of many mining fields in Idaho in late They had traveled southerly down the Boise River 1862 and into 1863, just in time to supplement his from the Boise Basin where they had found gold. The related intentions for the Colorado miners, introduced Idaho miners went with Goodale’s wagons on through one of the factors that promoted his importance. At the to Oregon, and then to Walla Walla, WA, for supplies. Boise River his train had coincidently met the Grimes mining party--minus the recently killed Grimes--who As well as the traditional emigrants who followed Tim were by then getting destitute for food and supplies. over the various portions of both the Jeffrey-Goodale Cutoff and Goodale’s Cutoff, many miners in large Warren P. Callahan's discovery of a galena lode which trains found his routes very suitable in getting to their he noticed right along Goodale’s Cutoff [Jeffrey- destinations. Travel over most of his original routes Goodale Cutoff] south of later Bellevue, when he was began to occur in both directions, especially as miners passing through the valley on his way to Montana. moved from field to field throughout the Northwest, and even some to and from California. Part of his “Prospectors set out for Wood River from Rocky Bar cutoff through the Boise Valley, to the Payette River again in 1865: most finished their search entirely and down to follow and cross the Snake River on the disappointed, but some of them found some claims 1863 Olds Ferry, became a heavily used substitute for worth locating near the divide between Camas Creek the Boise River route of the old route. and Wood River in a district later known as the Hailey Gold Belt. Indian opposition helped to hold back any Many other forms of transportation also found his new- development there for fourteen years. Eventually two opened routes very satisfactory, and that began the use of the original discoverers returned during the Wood of his cutoff route sections for nearly four decades. River rush and saw their mines flourish. Meanwhile, Only the part where he had led his wagons over the Warren P. Callahan came back to examine his galena terrible Midvale Hill route was little used, substituted lode near Goodale’s Cutoff . He and his brother located with the 1863 variant north of Emmett, Idaho. His a claim there September 3, 1873, and followed up with influence also opened the early, little-used John Jeffrey another in 1874.” route across south-central Idaho, now designated as the Jeffrey-Goodale Cutoff, to high volume traffic for emigrants and soon to many uses by others.

By 1903, when there were only 150 miles of roads in the nation that had been paved, the Jeffrey-Goodale was improved in places but still quite primitive. When Horatio Nelson Jackson determined to drive the first automobile across the entire U.S., a 1903 Winton (Horatio’s Drive , ’ book/video), he took the J-G across Idaho. Tim would surely have been interes- ted if not proud! By then Tim was dead for 34 years.

Mining was one of the big beneficiaries of the Goodale reopened and newly opened routes, but Tim had little interest in mining. (He worked temporarily assisting miners in Colorado, but soon abandoned that venture JEFFREY-GOODALE, BRADLY PASS DOWN TO WOOD RIVER for his wagon train.) Of interest from the up-coming Other areas of influence that Tim left with Idahoans, book on the Goodales is this info tidbit, which might and with others in many western states, are detailed in be ironic in relation to his lack of interest. the summer 2008, Rediscovered Frontiersman,

Sometime in late 1866, it seems that Tim had visited in Timothy Goodale: An Emigrant Trail Authority , Jim Idaho City, in the rich mining Boise Basin, and was McGill , a new book-- Susan Badger Doyle, Editor . ______questioned about his interest in mining. An Idaho City paper described Tim as a man who had covered every MARKING DELAYED BY SNOW trail in “Boise, Alturas, and Owyhee counties,” but that So, one might ask, what do you expect for January? On he had never found gold . Tim’s stated reason was that day 7 of the first month of 2008, it was hoped that the the existing trails that he had always followed “did not weather would cooperate and the permission to mark happen to pass through rich mining areas .” Goodale’s Cutoff trail remnants across the historic Van Dussen Ranch could be fulfilled. A few miles north of However, a 1981 Wood River area mining report, Emmett, ID, the ranch in the valley where an extensive offering some facts almost 120 years after Goodale section of the trail still remains now has only cow trails passed through, included this historic information: following the wide swales of the 1863 Variant.

“A premature stampede to Wood River [Blaine This was where one 40 wagon train passed through in County, ID] was reported early the next spring [1863], August 1881, and 30 year old Emily Towell wrote that and serious prospecting continued there in 1864. they had reached the Payette River (Emmett campsite). Nothing of great interest turned up then, except for On August 6, she wrote, “We remained in camp while SNOW ON GOODALE’S CUTOFF/OREGON TRAIL DOWN TO THE PAYETTE VALLEY, THE HALF-MILE NARROW RIDGE some men went to search for Crane Creek Valley. This ______was about thirty miles [north] from the Payette valley.” PASSING OF BURT SILCOCK, JAN. 4 On the 7 th the men returned and had not found the route by Bill Wilson 9 January, 2008 through Crane Creek. On the 8 th they crossed the river It is with sadness that we note the death of Burton W. and she inscribed that “An old man accompanied us as Silcock, who passed away at home on January 4, 2008, our guide to the Crane Creek Valley.” at age 85. An Idaho native, Burt spent 33 years work- ing for the BLM, and was appointed National Director On August 9, Emily affirmed, however, that they had in 1971, the only BLM career employee to serve as a made little progress, probably about 8-9 miles. That national director . Retiring in 1977 to Meridian, ID, put them in the valley where the Van Dussen Ranch Burt continued as a BLM volunteer. Wally Meyer re- now stands. Though Bissel Creek flows there it must ports that Burt, Larry Jones, and Wally placed the first have had little water flow by that August. She wrote Carsonite marker near Teapot Dome in the mid- that “There wasn’t sufficient water for irrigation 1980s .Burt was an OCTA and I-OCTA member up therefore, we could not stay here.” In two more days ************ Silcock Family Photo they had reached Dixie Creek, SE of Cambridge, ID.

An indication was printed in the last issue of Trail Dust that on our December 7, 2007, tour members had met Jim Little, part owner of the Van Dussen Ranch. Within days permission had been given by Mr. Little to mark the trail across the old ranch. That was a good invitation that called up an anxiousness in this old rut- nut Editor, but the good weather that had been experienced in the 7 th was fast changing. December then offered mostly cold, rain, snow, wind and mud.

January 7 offered the worst snow storm to date for a 40 mile drive to Emmett on other historic trail related business. This was for a hearing with Gem County concerning the preservation of the 1870s Johnson Creek stage road to Marsh P.O. and the Marsh-Ireton Ranch. Van Dussen Ranch, at a higher, more snowy elevation than Emmett, was not reached that day!

We now have an offer from new OCTA members at Emmett, Dick and Amy Linville, to help on that project when we finally get a good day for marking those BURT SILCOCK-HE WAS 1993 WAGON T RAIN MASTER swales. We may also be able to get school students out until his death, and contributed much towards trail on the trail then. Amy is a school teacher at Emmett, preservation over the years. He served a term as and has come to appreciate and value trail history! Chapter President during the 1980s. He was Wagon ______Master for the wagon train traveling the Oregon Trail from July 1, Montpelier, to Aug. 4, Nampa , and a de- to commemorate its Sesquicentennial in 1993. He is tailed schedule/route will soon be available.] JWMc survived by his wife, Ruth, and many family members. ------______“All, Fundamentally, I think the wagon train is a neat Wyoming Activity, May 17-18. 2008 idea. It's not real clear to me just how many people “My husband and I are members of OCTA and we're would actually be able to participate, but even the idea putting together a Dutch oven cooking seminar May that wagons are traveling along the trail does raise a lot 17-18, 2008 in Atlantic City, Wyoming. Jack Schmidt, of interest. . . . . Publicity-wise, the train idea is great. participant in many trails reenactments, will teach the I really think it has the possibility to stimulate the seminar. We'll like to inform other OCTA members of imagination for a lot of people. We seem to have the this seminar. Thank you in advance for your assistance, resources (people) to make this happen. There needs to and thank you for your efforts for a very nice Web site. be some real solid planning, covering a lot of contin- gencies, but I think this could be done. Barbara Townsend, Miner's Delight Inn Bed & Doug Jenson [Pres. IOCTA]” Breakfast 307-332-0248 or 888-292-0248 ------290 Atlantic City Road Atlantic City, WY 82520 “Doug, Dell and I have also worked out a schedule of [email protected] “ the time that we will be on the roadside and the times ------that we will be on or near the trail. (Dirt Roads) On “The Event link is online. I'm forwarding your request our part, we are looking for the minimum mileage of to our website manager, as well the editor of our News the state highway system. . . . Perhaps, this will best From the Plains quarterly and Lee Underbrink, who help you to understand where Dell, Jim [Shane] and I will know how to let other Wyoming Chapter members are coming from. We have put up our Horses, Mules, know about it. I'll also forward it to others in Colorado, Wagons, as well as invested in the food, transportation Idaho, & Utah, as our chapter members there may want and maintenance of the required animals. I also know to know about this as well.” Travis Boley that Jim and I will be donating a horse for raffle if we ______get that far along the endeavor. Together, we will offer LETTERS AND NOTES the conventioneers an experience that has not been “All , I think the wagon train is becoming a very tried by the OCTA. We feel, because of the great ruts, important part of the convention if it comes off as the # of miles and the unspoiled areas along various planned, and one of the most important parts of areas of the state highway system, that we can and will reaching the public and getting attention to our whole make this a true convention trail event. Norma [Dart]” association. There will be several people involved that ------are IOCTA/OCTA members and others that are not “Dear Jim [Shane], In speaking with the 2008 [yet]. . . . Though starting as a somewhat individual- convention co-chairs, Roger Blair & Jim McGill, they istic idea [Dell Mangum, IOCTA] it has been some- would like to see the wagon train become an official what transformed into a vital part of the convention. part of the convention. I am working with our insur- ance company to handle the liability issues. Because of “One of the most important things that OCTA has the complexity of it, this could take a bit of time. . . . recommended to chapters will be happening here. Please bear with me as I wait out the sometimes glacial Other than our cooperative trail work with the BLM, response from our insurance carrier. But also please Forest Service and other groups, and the local keep moving forward with your plans, as I personally historical societies that are involved with the think this will be an excellent & welcome addition to convention, this is an outreach clear across the state to our convention . I also look forward to having you as a many groups. And OCTA is getting publicity and member! Sincerely, F. Travis Boley” membership potential as we never could have done in ______other efforts. As Dell indicated, historical and other OCTA MEMBERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS groups from border to border, east to west, have After signing three more Goodale descendents to new already expressed interest, are planning community OCTA memberships there is still scholarship money barbecues with the train's members, and some are for a few more one-year gifts. The offer is open to coming to the convention.” others who have enough interest in OCTA’s work to [In mid December we have a list of probable people, try the benefits of membership, and to give opportun- with wagons or riding along, that numbers more than ity for deserving persons to get involved in activities 100 people, and it is open to others with an interest— that will lead up to the convention in August 2008. for a day or two or all the way ! The travel plan is now Believe it or not, there are surely people out there could not be contained over what IOCTA and the whom we know who have just not had the right cir- neighboring chapters who are involved will be cumstances come together to peak their interest and offering. We do not want anyone to be disappointed, bring them into OCTA. Dear friends, I remember my and it seems now will all be happy to be in Idaho! first introduction to OCTA when Wally Meyer offered me a brochure. It was during our first contact with February 20, 2008, is set for the next planning some IOCTA members who were assisting us—with meeting at 6:00 P.M., Nampa Civic Center. All the Idaho State Historical Society involved as well—in interested people are welcome, members and visitors. planning our first summer, trail-related university ______class. But we only became members two years later! Convention Raffle Planning Notice The upcoming National OCTA Convention, in Nampa, Patti and this Editor had been independently research- Idaho, August 5-9, 2008, will have a raffle and silent ing Northwest history, including the Oregon Trail sys- auction part of the overall program. We are requesting tem, photographing and writing up our studies. When that you begin consideration of this vital part of the the information became clear enough, especially upon convention and what you might possibly contribute for being invited to mark some of the South Alternate Trail the fund raising. This feature raffle should be one in Owyhee County, and we knew well what OCTA highlight of the whole convention with many great was about we wondered why we had delayed joining. items offered. Don’t leave at home your donation, We have never been sorry, and this all has come down treasure-acquiring checkbooks! to a monopoly on many of our involvements in life! There will be several premium items including a We never fail to experience the same feelings of awe painting by an Owyhee County, Idaho, artist who has and controlled excitement when we get to walk where been doing historic and landscape scenes there for the emigrants walk, grieve with those who had to go on many years. Her paintings have sold at exceptional and leave a grave behind, and place a marker where prices. This one is a painting of the terrible Sinker many others can also go and appreciate our efforts to Grade on the South Alternate Oregon Trail, an all-day, preserve some of the oldest and lasting evidences of half-mile trail for many wagon trains to ascend. (One the first white men across our land. OCTA members bus tour and the hiking tour will take you there!) can in an emotional-reality become part of the greatest mass migration of people in world history!

Find those who are waiting for such an opportunity, many who have such boring lives that they become little more than couch-potatoes when not on the job. A dose of OCTA is good for the heart, mind and soul! ______Convention Plans Coming Along Well As in December on January 16 th a significant group of planners came together to continue the good progress toward the 2008 OCTA Convention. Just about final now are the list of presenters, the workshops and the ANTIQUE TRAIL MARKER CONVERSATION PIECE! finalizing decisions on the good meals and entertain- There will also be other antiques and trail/interest ment that participants will be able to enjoy. The Idaho items. We will be offering some old trail markers Wagon Train, which will be traveling all during July, is with trail route decals on them (unique yard or other going to be another great addition to the convention— area decorative items for rut-nuts), some of which have Contact [email protected] Wagon Master, Dell stood in protection of pristine swales across Idaho for Mangum to participate, riding along for a day, a week many years--the more ‘antiqueish’ the better. Many are or for the whole month! only faded but in good condition, having been replaced on the trails with new markers. They exist in various During the afternoon, before the evening full planning aged conditions with a choice for your selections. group met, the budgeting assistants spent about 3 hours making many money decisions and assisting Bill Bring items to the convention or send them ahead, and Wilson, Treasurer, to get his spreadsheets ready. any early communication that will help determine the During that meeting and also during the full group’s numbers of items and space needed for display will be interactions, in words and in attitudes, the “excitement” appreciated. If you do not have an item to donate but ______would like to obtain something to represent your I-OCTA OFFICERS AND STAFF OCTA interest and support we may be able to assist Doug Jenson - President [email protected] you in acquiring an antique or other high-interest item Lyle Lambert Vice-Pres. [email protected] locally, which will be offered in your name . We do Jerry Eichhorst Vice-Pres. [email protected] have several area stores with this kind of inventory, William Wilson – Treasurer & Membership Chair and prices are very reasonable compared to other larger population areas. Let us know if this might be one [email protected] possible way to help you become involved. Kay Coffman - Secretary [email protected] James McGill -Preservation [email protected] Contact: Patti McGill, [email protected] , Jerry Eichhorst - Webmaster IdahoOCTA.org Mary O'Malley, [email protected] Peg Cristobal – Historian (see below) Pati Sweet, [email protected] Wendy Miller –Lib. [email protected] Ann Tomlinson, [email protected] Board of Directors ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peg Cristobal [email protected] NEW TO OCTA AND/OR I-OCTA Dell Mangum [email protected] David Ives, Boise, Idaho (gift from Dick Peterson), Norma Dart [email protected] Jim Shane , Middleton, ID, (Norma Dart’s spouse), Clair Rickets [email protected] James McGill Jr ., Boise, Sonia Martin , Caldwell, Fred Dykes [email protected] Meg Davis , Emmett, ID, Richard Klein , Bremeron, ______WA, Diane Norton , Boise, ID. ______

JAMES W. MCGILL, EDITOR IDAHO CHAPTER OF OCTA 305 MELBA DRIVE NAMPA, IDAHO 83686